"U.S. President Barack Obama’s four-pronged strategy of air strikes, support to local proxies, defense against the Islamic State’s attacks through intelligence and counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance leaves many unanswered questions. It’s hardly a clear articulation of the sort of long-term, holistic strategy needed to deny the Islamic State the fertile ground it needs to thrive. The approach is fraught with trade-offs, risks, and hidden costs that need to be addressed."

Center for American Progress recently held an event, Defeating ISISBuilding a Framework to Support a Reliable and Effective Opposition to Assad and ISIS. Check out the link for full video of the event.

The Center for Victims of Torture gave a recent video chat about the state of human rights in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Check out their page for a rundown of the chat or the video below of the chat itself.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) has posted their guiding principles about any kind of conflict in Iraq. "We believe, based in principle and history, that military action is not justified to respond to Islamic State violence in Iraq and Syria. Over and over again, the call and response is the same."

Massachusetts Peace Action have taken a strong stance against any new conflict or engagement in the Middle East. Follow the link to see their petition calling for peace.

The Washington Peace Center has posted an excellent article urging the U.S. to avoid the arguments and sentiments leading to the international War on Terror. Their warning is an important read during this time of conflict.

"Given our track record, we should be deeply suspicious of any rhetoric about a refusal to escalate another war. To think we can defeat an enemy in a region in which we have very little understanding is preposterous. Any hopes of an ISIS defeat lies with a stable Iraqi government and the Kurdish Peshmerga."